2014 European Youth Brass Band Set To Savour Scotland

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) and The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) are delighted to announce that an impressive band of young brass and percussionists have now been confirmed to form the 2014 European Youth Brass Band which will become an intrinsic part of The European Festival of Brass 2014. The 35 participants, who will work together from 26th April – 4th May, collectively represent 12 different European countries and include:

Led by this year’s Musical Director, Russell Gray, the 2014 European Youth Brass Band has a busy schedule of rehearsals and performances ahead of them, whilst incorporating various opportunities to enjoy elements of Scotland’s beautiful and fascinating attractions along the way. After meeting and completing their seating auditions on Saturday 26th April, the band members start their rehearsals in earnest on Sunday 27th through to 29th April. They then present their first public performance on Wednesday 30th April when they travel to Inverness (with a a chance to visit the Cairngorms and Loch Ness en route) to join Highland Brass, a new band for the area, in a joint concert at Culloden High School at 7.30pm.

Thursday 1st May sees the band return to Perth to perform in the first of the Gala concerts for the European Brass Band Championship series of events – the Gala Finals of the 6th European Soloist Competition for Brass and Percussion. Commencing at 7.30pm and following performances by the 3 soloist finalists, (accompanied by the Kirkintilloch Band), the 2014 European Youth Brass Band will take to the stage to present an entertaining 2nd half of the concert, prior to the winner announcement and awards ceremony for the competition. Tickets for this highly recommended event are available from Perth Concert Hall Box Office (www.horsecross.co.uk / Tel: +44 (0)1738 621 031).

To bring prestige to the official opening ceremony for the 2014 European Brass Band Championships which takes place on Friday 2nd May, ensembles from the 2014 European Youth Brass Band will delight the attendees at the iconic Scone Palace with a variety of performances. This is then followed by an appearance at the flagship Gala Concert on Saturday 3rd May at Perth Concert Hall, where they will share the stage with The Cory Band and The Co-operative Funderalcare Band to collectively present an exciting evening of music, prior to the awards ceremony for the Championship and Challenge sections of the 2014 European Brass Band Championship. Tickets for this ever-popular event are still available from Perth Concert Hall Box Office (www.horsecross.co.uk / Tel: +44 (0)1738 621 031).

Providing an appropriate finale to this enthralling week for these talented young musicians, the 2014 European Youth Brass Band will then perform their farewell concert as part of the European Youth Day Morning Concert (commencing at 10.00am) on Sunday 4th May at Perth Concert Hall. They share the concert with Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag from Norway, prior to the inaugural European Youth Brass Band Contest (which commences at 12.00 noon), offering an exciting opportunity for attendees to gain a clear insight to the musical expertise that Europe’s young musicians have to offer. Tickets for this exciting new initiative (including the European Youth Brass Band Contest) are available from Perth Concert Hall Box Office (www.horsecross.co.uk / Tel: +44 (0)1738 621 031).

Andrew Duncan, Development Manager of SBBA commented: “The European Youth Brass Band has always been a key element of the European Brass Band Championship series of events, but this year in particular, as part of the wider European Festival of Brass 2014, the band’s expanded involvement with performances in Inverness and the inaugural European Youth Day morning concert, further highlights the focus on youth development, for which The Scottish Brass Band Association have become renowned. The band represents some of the finest young brass and percussion talent from across Europe, so we are very pleased to welcome them to this year’s event and look forward to offering them all a positive and beneficial experience as part of this prestigious band.”

Ulf Rosenberg, President of EBBA concluded: “This year once again looks well on its way to achieving the goals and aims we set out for each year’s European Youth Brass Band – to enable them to gain a unique musical experience and to share this with other like-minded musicians from across Europe. Helping these young musicians to develop as players, forge friendships across Europe and build a team spirit upon which they will be able to reflect with pride and enjoyment for years to come. Whilst the band has a very busy schedule ahead, it is also ensured that the players have the opportunity to enjoy elements of the host country’s culture and attractions. Scotland has so much to offer in this way, I am sure all the members of this year’s band will return home with extremely fond memories of this beautiful country, and the part they played in its exciting nationwide celebration of brass music – The European Festival of Brass 2014.”